The Nasty Norovirus Bug

Norovirus is a nasty bug that is running rampant right now. It's a stomach bug with vomiting and diarrhea that can spread to others quickly. However, the Norovirus does not respond to hand sanitizer. It takes good old-fashioned hand washing to slow the spread. HAND SANITIZER DOES NOT PREVENT THE SPREAD OF NOROVIRUS. Hand washing for at least 20 seconds will assist in the prevention of the spread. But let's talk more about what Norovirus is and how it may affect all of us, specifically those with spinal cord injuries.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus cases are skyrocketing, and most cases occur in the cold months. So, it's the season to stay safe. According to the Mayo Clinic, Norovirus can cause severe vomiting and sudden diarrhea. It is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and commonly spreads through food or water contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses can also spread through close contact with a person who has Norovirus. There are many types of noroviruses, and you can get them more than once. It's not a "once and done" virus. So, be very vigilant in handwashing.

Signs and symptoms of Norovirus may start suddenly and include:

1.    Nausea

2.    Vomiting

3.    Stomach pain or cramps

4.    Watery or loose diarrhea

5.    Feeling ill

6.    Low-grade fever

7.    Muscle pain

Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to Norovirus and last 1 to 3 days. You can continue to shed the virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery.

How does Norovirus spread?

You can get the Norovirus bug by:

1.    Being in close contact with a person who has a Norovirus

2.    Drinking contaminated water

3.    Introducing germs by touching your mouth or face after your hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface, object, or person sickened with the bug.

Noroviruses are difficult to kill because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants.

Usually, the virus clears in a few days, but Norovirus can cause severe dehydration and even death.

Warning signs of dehydration include:

1.    Fatigue

2.    Dry mouth and throat

3.    Dizziness

4.    Decreased urine output

5.    Lack of energy

What can you and your caregivers do to prevent the transmission?

1.    Wash your hands well, and be sure all caregivers do the same.

2.    Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

3.    After washing your hands, allow the water to flow, dry your hands, and then turn off the water flow with the paper towel you used to dry your hands. You do not want to reinfect your hands by touching a dirty faucet when your hands are clean.

4.    Keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

5.    When food is delivered by a delivery service, before touching the food, wash your hands.

6.    You can clean it with a bleach solution. Lysol does not kill the Norovirus. Lysol states it "kills 99.9% of viruses," Norovirus is the 0.1% that Lysol does not kill.

Diagnosis of Norovirus:

A stool sample can diagnose Norovirus.

If you are sick with the Norovirus, avoid transmitting it to your family and friends. And you can do that by good handwashing.

It's all good, so stay well, my friends,

Patty, BSN, RN

The Rollin’ RN ™

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention/index.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17703-norovirus

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20355296